2017 Chrysler Pacifica: Monthly Update for July 2017

by Mike Schmidt, Senior Manager, Vehicle Testing Operations

Where Did We Drive It?
July was a highway-heavy month of driving for our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. I know because most of those miles were spent with my butt in the driver's seat. My kids are still too young to tie their own shoes. So at this age, a minivan is our preferred method for vacation transportation. And we had a road trip in the works.

Summer break is coming to an end, as is our Pacifica's time in the long-term fleet. We decided to celebrate both with a getaway to Mammoth, California. This wasn't my first 1,000-mile jaunt in the Chrysler. Or my second. Yet I still came away from the trip with some new impressions. The van also served as utilitarian, hauling gear to the test track, people and cameras to video shoots, and home decor from, well, the home decor store.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
In one of its busiest months this year, we drove the Pacifica 2,340 miles in July. Lots of cruising increased our lifetime efficiency by one-tenth, to 19.1 mpg. It also contributed to a single-tank fuel economy record of 27.8 mpg, surpassing the previous mark of 26.2 mpg.

Routine maintenance was limited to a $3 bottle of windshield washer fluid.

Logbook Highlights

MPG
"The Chrysler Pacifica's fuel economy is surprisingly good. My sister-in-law owns a 2013 Toyota Sienna SE and we took a trip up the coast to Santa Barbara. Our Pacifica returned 19 mpg along the way while her Sienna only managed 16 mpg." — Rex Tokeshi-Torres, vehicle testing technician

Maintenance
"I pulled to a stop in front of my house and looked down. Seeing the odometer at 19,000 miles reminded me of our long-term 2008 Caravan. At this age it was a durability nightmare. Cross a rough patch of asphalt and the cabin became a Dr. Seuss brainstorm session of clunk-plunks, tick-clicks and boing-sproings. This Pacifica is nothing like that. And, nine years later, it better not be. I pressed the button to open the passenger slider and let my kid in. The door responded with a clunk-dunk, clack-crack, pop. Jinx. It still opens and closes. But we'll need to have those noises checked out." — Mike Schmidt, senior manager, vehicle testing operations

Interior
"When traveling as a video crew, minivans are the best vehicles to get. Easy in, easy out and plenty of power. Stow 'n Go is a must since we don't have the time or space to remove and store 500 pounds of captain's chairs. You might not get street cred, but they work amazingly well as haulers of people and equipment." — John Adolph, senior manager, video content production

Cargo Space
"It is certainly convenient that the second- and third-row seats of the Pacifica fold into the floor. But the flaps that cover the stowed seats sure are flimsy. I am afraid that I'll break something if I'm not careful about where I step back there." — Mike Schmidt

Miscellaneous
"Twice now I've tried to open the driver-side sliding door of the Pacifica while pumping gas. It's a good thing this van is smarter than I am. As if politely suggesting, 'You're a moron,' it lets me crack the door open before tugging the handle back from my hand and closing the door completely." — Mike Schmidt